Prescribing and Dispensing of Benzodiazepines: Implications for Dependence and Misuse

Despite substantial adverse effects from benzodiazepine use, these medicines are frequently prescribed and dispensed. This chapter describes the dependence and misuse potential of benzodiazepines and the role of health care professionals in therapeutic care mainly through appropriate prescribing and dispensing. All regions of the world have reported misuse of benzodiazepines in varying degrees. There are huge variations across settings-both in developed and developing countries, with respect to regulations and practices for prescribing and dispensing benzodiazepines. Despite a lack of consensus about the therapeutic guidelines for benzodiazepine prescribing and dispensing, some recommendations appear well accepted, and are best implemented if doctors and pharmacists work as a team. Benzodiazepines remain a valuable class of drugs for a set of defined indications when prescribed with appropriate safeguards. Where harms outweigh benefits from inappropriate prescribing and dispensing of benzodiazepines, increased restrictions on supply may result.